Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Charges Dropped Against Anonymous Member Sean Carasov
()
SoCal Anonymous has announced that the DA has decided not to proceed with prosecution in the case of Anonymous member Sean Crasov, who was arrested on Saturday, March 15th, for a charge of "Criminal Threats." Total bail was set at $50,000. Sean "Rorschach" Carasov's arraignment was scheduled for April 9th, at 8:30am.
Anonymous is providing a videotape of the incident to authorities, which they believe may contain enough evidence to charge the CoS with filing a false police report. It may also provide grounds for a lawsuit.
Anonymous forwarded the The following Letter from Graham Berry, Sean's lawyer in this matter:
Support for LAist comes from
To Anonymous: I have just concluded a telephone call from a Los Angeles Police Department representative assigned to the major crimes division. During that telephone call I was advised that both the Los Angeles District Attorney and the Los Angeles City Attorney had decided not to proceed any further with the filing of criminal charges against outed Anonymous participant Sean Carasov. This means that the case is over and there will be no further court appearances required by Sean.
From the LAPD's perspective the video/audio might indicate that the offense of filing a false police report had been committed. From Sean Carasov's perspective it may support a lawsuit seeking damages for false arrest and imprisonment.
The 70 page draft declaration I provided this morning is now being read. It would not surprise me if the L.A.P.D. decided that the best action would be to take action in connection with matters in that document already.
During the conversation I obtained the distinct impression that the Scientology enterprise has a number of Anon participants under surveillance. I also received the message that provided Anon acted lawfully, and picketed lawfully, they would be just fine. However, the Scientology enterprise is going to great effort to try and find any unlawful conduct by Anon. And we know that if Scientology cannot find your "crime" then it will "manufacture" the allegations.
There is still no sign of Sean Carasov's cat, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances the day after his public outing, and the day before his arrest. According to Anonymous member, Gareth Cales:
As many of you know, Sean "Rorschach" Carasov was outted on Youtube, along with two other individuals from our region, on March 13th. The following morning Sean found a pool of blood by the food dish for his cat Mudkips, and the food smelled like Ammonia. The cat has been missing ever since. Given the Church of Scientology's documented past usage of pets in fair game, Sean suspects that the Church was involved. He does live within walking distance of two Co$ orgs.
Photo by Bandergrove used with permission
Support for LAist comes from
Previous Posts on Anonymous:
Photo Essay: 'Anonymous' Protest Church of Scientology in Hollywood
'Anonymous' Protest Church of Scientology at CNN Building
Anonymous Pwns Scientology
Anonymous & Anti-War to Hit Hollywood Saturday
Photo Essay: March 15 Hollywood Anonymous Scientology Protest
'Anonymous Exposed' Video Strikes Back at 'Anonymous' Members
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity. -
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
-
With California voters facing a decision on redistricting this November, Surf City is poised to join the brewing battle over Congressional voting districts.
-
The drug dealer, the last of five defendants to plead guilty to federal charges linked to the 'Friends' actor’s death, will face a maximum sentence of 65 years in prison.
-
The weather’s been a little different lately, with humidity, isolated rain and wind gusts throughout much of Southern California. What’s causing the late-summer bout of gray?
-
Hexavalent chromium is the same carcinogen Erin Brockovich warned about in the 1990s, but researchers say more study is needed on the potential health effects of nanoparticles detected earlier this year. Experts will answer questions at a webinar this evening.
Best of LAist